Controversial ARCO project alive, developer appeals denial

Many residents near the southeast corner of Caldwell Avenue and West Street oppose the construction of a proposed new gas station. Their concerns are about noise, traffic and other safety issues. Photo taken on Monday, November 13, 2017. (Photo: Ron Holman)

After a controversial denial by the planning commission, the project to bring a gas station and convenience store to southeast Visalia will get a second chance.

Officials with the Chandi Group, the developers who proposed a mega gas station on the corner of Caldwell Avenue and West Street, said they will appeal the planning commission's April 9 decision.

This time, developers may have the support of city officials, who asked that Chandi reduce the footprint of the project because of its proximity to a residential neighborhood.

"While our project, as submitted, fit the zoning and complied with every condition set by staff, we are willing to consider a reduction in size of the store, elimination of the carwash, reducing the number of pumps, and reducing the size of the canopy," said Tom Freeman, a Chandi spokesman.

Police Lt. Ozzie Dominguez quickly pointed out that the addition of a similar gas station and convenience store on Dinuba Boulevard and Riggin Avenue hasn't increased crime in the area of northwest Visalia.

The gas station, as originally proposed, would have featured:

A 6,000 square-foot convenience store building with a yet-to-be-determined fast-food restaurant.

A 4,933 square-foot automated carwash.

A 6,775 square-foot canopy with 10 fuel dispensers.

Chandi heard concerns and Thursday's appeal will show that with a neighborhood-friendly project, Freeman said.

Freeman continued by saying Chandi invited Hernandez and other neighbors "to meet and discuss a rescoping of the project and its design."

Commissioners could vote as early as Monday when they meet.

Vice-Chair Liz Wynn said an eight-pump station without a carwash would have likely been greeted with more support from the planning commission.

"I am not opposed to a gas station on the property, which has been zoned for commercial development for many years," she said. "I believe that the size and scope of the ARCO project was not appropriate for the location and proximity to residential neighborhood."

Chandi is hoping their new plan with take away the opposition's ammunition to fight the project.

"We listened carefully to the testimony of the neighbors and the commission," he said. "In doing so, we will revise the plan to be a better fit to serve the community."